Zach Mitchell joined Colchester United on loan from Charlton
ZACH Mitchell feels it is a ‘huge bonus’ playing under Ben Garner at Colchester United.
And the on-loan defender says he is a big fan of the U’s head coach’s playing philosophy.
Mitchell made an eye-catching Colchester debut against Tranmere Rovers, after joining them on deadline day on a season-long loan from League One side Charlton Athletic.
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The 18-year-old was also handed his Addicks debut by Garner last season and is relishing being part of his team again.
Mitchell said: “You know the standards and you know what he wants from you, as a player.
“I’ve always really liked the way that he’s played and his philosophy and it’s a huge bonus.
“Hopefully we can continue to develop what he wants as a team.”
Mitchell came into the Colchester starting line-up against Tranmere, playing his part in a 2-0 victory and helping them keep a clean sheet.
“I was delighted to make my debut for this club,” said Mitchell, who has made 11 appearances for Charlton.
“On a personal note, I was really happy to just get going and hopefully push on to next week.
“A clean sheet is so important when you’re a defender and I was really happy to get that, at the start.
“I think when you have other players around you like our captain Hally (Connor Hall) and Manny (Egbo) who I’ve played with before, it allows you to slot in easily with that type of experience.
“It enables you to be comfortable, so I think it’s down to that and what we’ve been doing in training as well where we’ve really been building that togetherness.
READ MORE: Zach Mitchell praised after Colchester United debut
“The fans were great and huge credit to all of the lads – it was a big performance and what we needed to now really push on.
“We were all very together in the fact that we needed to bounce back from the Walsall defeat.
“We had a good week of training and that was topped off with the performance (against Tranmere).”
Mitchell will spend the rest of the season with Colchester, his first loan away from Charlton.
The teenage centre-back started out with the Addicks at under-seven level and signed his first professional contract with them in the summer of 2022.
Mitchell added: “I just think in general, it’s all about getting that experience.
“I’m hoping to do that and then be ready to go back there and try and make an impact there.
“But for the moment, the focus is here and try and do the best I can for Colchester.”
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